Regular security patrols are helping to protect a cricket club that was hit by theft and vandalism earlier this year.

Ashford Town Cricket Club had pipework and other fittings stolen in a raid that officials estimated caused £10,000 worth of damage.

It prompted cricket fan John Howland, managing director of Ashford-based Swift Security, to offer to include the club’s ground at Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, on his company’s regular rural patrols – free of charge.

Nigel Crannis, the committee member in charge of the club’s buildings and grounds, was quick to welcome John’s offer, which means an extra pair of eyes checking out the clubhouse on a regular but unscheduled basis.

“The theft came just a few months after the clubhouse had been flooded due to a burst pipe in the cold spell, and it really was another big setback for us. We were very pleased when John offered to include us in one of his patrols just to keep an eye on things,” he commented.

“Other companies have also stepped in to help the club by providing materials and manpower to get the heating andplumbing back in action. We see ourselves as part of the community and we are delighted that the community has stepped in to help.”

John Howland added: “Sports pavilions, like barns, stables, garden centres and outbuildings, are very vulnerable when they are off the beaten track, particularly as the evenings get darker. Our patrols provide a deterrent and some extra peace of mind and I was pleased that Swift Security could help the club in this way.

“Thefts of this kind are becoming increasingly common because of the high price of materials such as copper. Thieves are also out for other high value items such as heating oil and even farm machinery, which is why we introduced our rural patrols earlier this year.”

More Kent sports news, Kent sport direct to your mailbox with the Kent Review.

© www.yourcounty.co.uk